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Gov Nwifuru Sacks Commissioner, Withdraws Monarch’s Certificate Over Ebonyi Killings
The Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has dismissed all government appointees, dissolved community development union leadership, and village heads in the Amasiri community, Afikpo Local Government Area of the state, with immediate effect.
He also dethroned the traditional ruler of the community.
Nwifuru’s action followed the violent attack on Okporojo Community, Oso Edda, in Edda Local Government Area of the state, during which four people were beheaded
and their heads taken away.
The governor announced the sweeping sanctions on Saturday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to Okporojo where he addressed residents, community leaders, security agencies, and government officials.
The Okporojo incident was said to have happened on the afternoon of January 29, 2026, when unidentified armed men reportedly ambushed the community, setting houses on fire.
Nwifuru, who was visibly angry over the killings, described the attack as most unfortunate and said he never expected such a level of brutality to occur in the state.
“So on this note, for the time being, the development union executive and all of the villages in Amasiri communities are hereby dissolved. The traditional ruler certificate is thereby withdrawn all the government appointees from Amasiri are thereby sacked,” the governor said.
“All the government appointees from the management committee down to the commissioner, anyone from Amasiri, are hereby sacked. All the village heads in all Amasiri villages in all the autonomous communities are hereby removed.
“For the time being, we will do more. And we will show everybody why we’re government”, the governor added.
He assured the affected community that the state government would decisively deal with those responsible, stressing that the lives lost would not be in vain.
He urged residents to remain calm and embrace peace, warning that retaliatory violence would only worsen the situation.
According to him, government actions would be firm but guided by the need to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
Nwifuru revealed that the conflict had lingered for years despite several reconciliation efforts, including boundary agreements between the affected communities, lamenting that such agreements were not respected.
He noted that his visit was a strong signal that the state would no longer tolerate lawlessness or disregard for the rule of law.
Gov Warns Against Violence
Turning to the role of Amasiri Community in the crisis, Nwifuru issued a stern warning, stating that violence would never lead to a meaningful resolution.
At least four people were reported to have been killed during the attack.
He cautioned that the situation was fast approaching a point of no return if provocations continued.
“My message to the people of Amasiri is to have a rethink because violence will never lead them anywhere. I also heard that the Akpoha community blocked their road because the Amasiri people are coming to attack them. And I say, look, it has already gotten to the point of no return.
“So Amasiri should be careful of their actions. We love them. We adore them. We believe that they have men who still have character. I still believe in God and still worship God,” Nwifuru stated.
Consequently, the governor announced the immediate dissolution of the Amasiri Town Development Union and its executive members.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring permanent peace in Edda and promised that by next year, the community would witness tangible improvements resulting from government intervention.
“I am particularly very saddened. I repent of this kind of development. I’ve never in my whole life expected this kind of development.
“It’s quite unfortunate. But If a careful leader, you speak less when you are very angry. And at this very moment I will speak less. But I want to assure the people of Okporojo autonomous community.
“The government of Ebonyi State will definitely show to the perpetrators what made them government and you see it happen. I promise you, the lives lost will never be in vain by the special grace of God.
“I am seeking words to use at this moment, so that I will not escalate the war. But I plead with all of you to maintain peace. At the end of the day, those that started the war will regret it,” he told the residents.
‘Rascality Will Never Happen Again’
Speaking further, the governor said, “By the end of the work today, by the special grace of God, you shall see the outcome of it. And I promise you,as far as I’m your governor, this kind of attitude, this kind of rascality will never happen to you again in Jesus name.
“The chairman of Afikpo is here. He’s known for his doggedness, for his peace- loving attitude, for his dispositions to obey the rule of law and for that.
“But if it is his subject who is not aware of the provisions of the law, and decides to take life at will. I said to him, ‘It’s a pity. And I know you know what I’m supposed to say, I decided to use that word. It’s a pity.
“If you see a quiet person, ordinarily don’t push him to the wall. I’ve been pushed to the wall at this moment. I’ve been pushed to the wall. I’ve been hammering on this. I’ve been discussing this with the two local government chairmen and the stakeholders.
“And on so many occasions, they disagreed and agreed to the extent of tracing the boundaries that had been agreed upon. And this matter did not start today. It has gotten to the point of return at the moment.
“I sent this message to the people of Amasiri, It’s a pity. Last time they said I’m siding with you, if you know me very well, I don’t side with anybody. I say the truth. I say it the way it is. I don’t. I am not the kind of person who believes because you have somebody, but because you know somebody then I will not speak the truth.It is only the truth that can make you happy.
“It’s only the truth that can bring peace to your family. And that is why I always say the truth the way I see it. And ask God for forgiveness. If I ever wrong anybody.”
Among the appointees sacked from the area is the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Amari Omaka (SAN).
Governor Nwifuru directed those affected to immediately hand over government properties in their possession, including official vehicles, to the Secretary to the State Government.
The Okporojo incident was said to have happened on the afternoon of January 29, 2026, when unidentified armed men reportedly ambushed the community, setting houses on fire.
At least four people were said to have been allegedly beheaded and their heads taken away by the assailants.
In a viral video circulating online, houses were seen set on fire, as the community called on the state government and security agencies for help.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it will sustain salary payments for up to 12 months to families of personnel who die in the line of duty.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, approved the welfare initiative as part of measures to strengthen support for families of fallen personnel.
A credible NAF source who pleaded anonymity disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Sunday in Abuja.
He said the policy, which provided a special extension of salary payments to the spouses or next of kin of NAF personnel killed in action, would help cushion the impact of their loss.
He explained that, in line with existing public service rules, salary payments normally cease upon the death of a personnel member.
According to him, the new initiative will see salaries of personnel killed in the line of duty continue for up to 12 months from the date of death, or until all death benefits are fully processed and paid, whichever comes first.
The official said the initiative was designed to prevent financial hardship for bereaved families during the period of administrative processing of death benefits.
He added that the CAS had also approved additional welfare packages for officers, airmen and airwomen of the service.
“These measures are aimed at cushioning the prevailing economic pressures and reinforcing the NAF’s commitment to the wellbeing of its personnel.
“These initiatives are also part of a broader welfare reform agenda anchored on the understanding that the wellbeing of personnel and their families is a strategic enabler of combat effectiveness.
“Enhanced welfare drives effective warfare, ensuring that no airman is left unequipped, untrained or unmotivated,” he said.
The source further said that the initiatives reaffirmed the NAF’s resolve to honour the sacrifices of fallen heroes, support the families they left behind and sustain a motivated and mission-ready force.
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has directed the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to distribute rice across all states of the federation in support of citizens observing the ongoing Ramadan and Lenten seasons.
The initiative is intended to strengthen national unity and demonstrate compassion during a period that holds deep spiritual significance for both Muslims and Christians.
A statement issued by the Director-General, Renewed Hope Ambassadors and governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma explained that “under the directive, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors will coordinate the distribution through their nationwide grassroots network to ensure that families across Nigeria benefit from the intervention during this holy season when both Muslims and Christians are fasting.”
According to the statement: “It is worth noting that a similar intervention was carried out during the last Christmas season, when rice was also distributed to support Nigerians celebrating the festive period.
“This continued effort reflects the administration’s consistent commitment to standing with citizens during important religious and cultural seasons.
“Both Christian and Muslim communities will receive rice as part of the nationwide distribution effort, reflecting the President’s commitment to inclusivity, solidarity, and shared national values.”
Commenting on the initiative, Governor Uzodimma said the programme underscored the President’s belief in supporting citizens during this period of fasting while strengthening interfaith harmony.
He said: “This initiative reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to unity and compassion. Ramadan and Lent are seasons that remind us of sacrifice, charity, and care for one another. Through this distribution, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors will ensure that families across Nigeria feel the spirit of togetherness during this sacred period.”
The statement concluded by saying that the distribution will be carried out across nationwide through the state, local government, and ward structures of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to ensure broad reach and transparency.
The Police Command in Osun says it has arrested two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) in connection with a shooting incident that left a driver dead in Osogbo.
This was contained in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Sunday.
Ojelabi explained that the two officers of the NCS were arrested in connection with a shooting incident that occurred at Dada Estate Area, Osogbo, on Sunday.
“The suspects were reportedly chasing suspected tokunbo (foreign-used) vehicles when the incident occurred.
“Meanwhile, the driver of the said ash-coloured Toyota Corolla, one of the vehicles being chased by the Customs officers, was shot and confirmed dead by a medical doctor at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital,” he said.
The command’s spokesperson said that the corpse of the yet-to-be-identified victim had been deposited in a morgue.
Ojelabi said several items were recovered from the scene, including a Beretta pistol with breech number 125024, 11 rounds of 9mm live ammunition and one expanded 9mm shell.
Other items recovered were a white Toyota Corolla with Lagos registration number AAA 400 GQ, and an ash Toyota Corolla with registration number GFQ 0982.
He said that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, had ordered a thorough investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He assured members of the public that anyone found culpable would face the full wrath of the law.
He urged residents to remain calm and continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that can aid the investigation.
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